COLONIC RELEASE FOOD SUPPLY AS A COADJUVANT IN THE TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF COLONIC DISORDERS CAUSED BY A SUSPECTED OR CONFIRMED ALTERATION OF THE INFLAMMATORY PATTERN AND MICROBIOTA DESTABILIZATION

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an oral tablet, in particular in the form of a colonic release food supplement, as a co-adjuvant in the treatment and prevention of colonic disorders caused by suspected or confirmed alteration of the inflammatory pattern and microbiota destabilization.

STATE OF THE ART

[0002] According to what reported by Treccani encyclopaedia inflammation in medicine is the complex of reactive events involving the tissues of higher animal bodies when they come into contact with harmful agents of different nature¹. The most frequent result of this process is neutralization of the harmful agent or confinement of the lesion produced therefrom. The causes of inflammation may be of physical, chemical and biological nature, even if some inflammatory diseases are still being studied as concerns identification of specific aetiological agents. The inflammatory reaction is determined by vascular and cellular events. The inflammation clinical events have been known since the classical antiquity: calor, rubor, tumor, dolor and functio laesa. They correspond, in this order, to the apparent events related to inflammation: blood vessels appear dilated, with an increase in the local circulation (hyperaemia: rubor, calor); plasma (plasmatic exudation), some formed elements of the blood (diapedesis) represented by granulocytes, lymphocytes, plasma cells, and, exceptionally, red blood cells, outflow therefrom, which are added by cell elements coming directly from the tissues (hystogenic reaction) with resulting swelling (tumor) of the inflamed part1. The latter is also deeply aching (dolor) and functionally impaired (functio laesa). Based on the extent of the vascular and cellular responses to inflammatory stimuli it is possible to distinguish two main types of inflammations: the acute ones, wherein vascular events prevail on cellular events (exudation phlogosis), and the chronic ones, wherein cellular events prevail on vascular events (productive phlogosis). Inflammation can occur in any human body tissue and consequently affect all organs and apparatuses.

[0003] When the inflammatory process affects the bowel mucous membrane we can observe an extremely variable range of clinical diseases, which can result also in mild forms with few symptoms. Among the diseases where the confirmed or suspected inflammation/hyperimmunity is the focus of the disease and of disorders suffered from the patients, we can include, for exemplary and non-limiting purposes, various different forms of colitis (indeterminate, collagen, from drugs, non-specific...), some sub-classes of diverticular disease (symptomatic uncomplicated diverticulosis disease (SUDD), diverticulitis, segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis (SCAD), irritable colon syndrome (IBS) ...) up to more severe and debilitating inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) (Ulcerative rectocolitis (RCU), Chron's disease). An aetiologic factor which is thought to have a key role in the pathogenesis of the intestinal inflammation and which is worth focusing the attention is the intestinal microbiota². To better explain this it must be noted that microbiota is considered by the scientific community as a real «protective organ» of the gastrointestinal system.² In this respect it is often noted that, among other functions, it is able to regulate the bowel local immune system consequently controlling all the inflammatory processes that can affect the mucous membrane. The mechanisms implemented by the intestinal microbiota to guarantee the correct functioning of the intestinal immune system are variable and involve adjusting more factors². When the intestinal microbiota loses its functional integrity an abnormal activation of the adaptive immune system takes place, the one which involves some lymphocyte species of the T helper line (Th1, Th2, Th17), NF-kB factor deregulation, higher leukocyte activity and increase in the oxidative damage3-5. The activation of Th1 and Th17 lines leads to an increase of IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 IL-2, IL-17, TNF alpha and IFN-y, that are known pro-inflammatory cytokines which, in addition to activating and supporting phlogosis, interact with macrophages and APC (a cell containing the antigen) amplifying the activity thereof and cytokine production ^3-5. The activation of the Th2 line determines the increase of cytokines IL-5, IL-13 where IL-5 is also the signal which activates the Natural Killers ^3-5. The infiltration of leukocytes into the intestine, if no longer under control, supports and amplifies phlogosis of the mucous membrane. Leukocytes are in fact attracted by cytokines and chemokines produced by various blood white cells, and once arrived at the inflamed tissue, they increase the structural damage ^5,6. An inflammatory marker that is commonly measured to determine an intestinal inflammation is faecal calprotectin.

[0004] Calprotectin is a protein belonging to the S100 family and is contained in great amounts in neutrophil granulocytes, where it accounts for 5% of the total proteins and for 60% of cytoplasmic proteins. Calprotectin has been found, in lower amounts, also in activated monocytes and macrophages. In presence of inflammatory processes, calprotectin is released after granulation of neutrophil granulocytes. In case of a bowel inflammation, calprotectin can be detected in faeces. Other observed haematochemical parameters, though less faecal calprotectin-specific, are ESR and CRP. In pharmacological terms, literature review highlights that many molecules used to treat bowel chronic inflammations are associated to controlled-release technologies with the objective to optimize its efficiency reducing at the same time the possible typical side effects of these drugs. In 2015 the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Bei Ye et al. Mesalazine preparations for the treatment of ulcerative colitis: Are all created equal? World J Gastrointest Pharmacol Ther. 2015 Nov 6; 6(4): 137-144.) published a review evaluating the difference between the different mesalazine-based formulations existing in the literature, stressing the fact that all the formulations analysed are provided with modified-release technologies; this explains the scientific interest towards such types of release. The following table reports formulations examined by the review.

Formulations	Generic name	Proprietary names	Mode of delivery	Site of drug release
Azo-bonded prodrugs	Sulfasalazine	Azulfidiue®; Salazopyrin®; Pyralin®	Mesalazine bound to sulfapyridine	Colon
	Olsalazine	Dipentum®	Two mesalazine molecules bound together	Colon
	Palsalazidr	Colazide®; Colazal®	Mesalazine bound to 4-aminobenzoy1-β-alanine	Colon
pH dependent	Mesalazine	Asacol®; Mesren®	Eudragit-S coating (dissolves at pH ≥ 7)	Terminal ileum, colon
		Salofalk®; Mesasal®; Claversal®	Eudragit-L coating (dissolves at pH ≥ 6)	Mid ileum to colon
		Salofalk Granules®;	Eudragit-L coating and matrix core	Mid ileum to colon
Time dependent	Mesalazine	Pentasa®, Pentasa® granules	Microspheres encapsulated within an ethycellulose semi-permeable membrane	Duodenum to colon
MMX	MMX mesalazine	Lialda®; Mezavant XL®; Mezavant®	Enteric coating (dissolves at pH > 7). MMX of lipophilic and hydrophilic excipients	Terminal ileum and entire colon

[0005] This type of essentially pharmacological therapies has serious drawbacks related to the use of drugs such as for example steroidal drugs which have a considerable range of undesired side effects.

[0006] Besides pharmacological therapies, of which the above mentioned ones are only some proposed by traditional medicine, CAM therapies (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) are being increasingly studied as a support to the treatment of inflammatory-based diseases, even when the concerned organ is the bowel. In this regard there is some literature evidence reporting the scientific interest on colonic release technologies even when applied to botanicals (plant extracts), the Journal of Pharmacy Research in 2012 (M. K. Modasiya et al. / Journal of Pharmacy Research 2012,5(4),2253-2258) published data on some specific technologies applied to curcumin. There exists on the market an oral formulation with the trade name of IBIDI ^® as a disease co-adjuvant in the treatment of colonic disorders caused by a suspected or confirmed alteration of the inflammatory pattern and microbiota destabilization comprising as active ingredients at least 3 botanicals (Boswellia, Turmeric and Punica granatum), dispersed in a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-based matrix.

[0007] In fact curcumin is the active ingredient contained in Curcuma longa. Curcumin regulates the inflammatory processes inhibiting the expression of several cytokines as IFN-y, TNF alpha, IL-1beta and IL-12. Curcumin itself has revealed efficient in inhibiting activation of the NF-kB factor, in activating PPAR-y genes, in inhibiting the release of COX2 and finally in reducing the NO levels that are notoriously high in patients affected with IBD ^7-11. In a study carried out in 2013 the synergistic effect between curcumin and antibiotics and the antibacterial effect of curcumin against S. aureus-resistant strains were investigated. Besides a significant activity exhibited by turmeric with respect to 10 S-aureus-resistant strains, turmeric guaranteed a reduction of antibiotic MICs with respect to oxacillin (OXI), ampicillin (AMP), ciprofloxacin (CIP), and norfloxacin (NOR), confirming the synergistic effect ^12,13

[0008] Boswellia serrata: Boswellia regulates the cytokine release, inhibits the NF-kB factor activation and, mainly due to its boswellic acid AKBA, reduces the leukocyte activity interfering on the rolling and the endothelium cell adhesion ^14,15 . In an in vitro study the antimicrobial capacities of the boswellic acids (AKBA, KBA, BA) on 112 bacterial species were analysed. The pathogenic species commonly present inside the gastrointestinal tract were taken into consideration: E. fecalis, E. faecium, S. aureus, etc...MICs obtained for these species have demonstrated that the boswellic acid that is mostly active in terms of antimicrobial action is the 11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA): E. faecalis -> average MIC 6 µg/ml; E. faecium -> average MIC 6 µg/ml; S. aureus-> average MIC 2 µg/ml ¹⁶.

[0009] Pomegranate promotes the selective growth of bowel bacteria supporting the microbiota. Together with the pre-biotic action, the pomegranate extract leads the microbiota to produce SCFAs (short chain fatty acids) among which the beneficial butyric acid and to promote urolithin release, known endogenous antiinflammatories¹⁷.

[0010] Even if this type of formulation represents a good therapy supporting conventional treatments, which only provide for drug treatments, it has a number of drawbacks in that some of the active ingredients are hardly soluble and/or are almost completely degraded in the stomach, and furthermore it is not sure whether they are released in sufficient amounts in the colon where inflammatory processes are taking place.

[0011] "Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients", 6th ed., 2009, Pharmaceutical Press, XP055514625, pages 622-624 describes the properties of alginate and reports that it can be used in a matrix to slow down active ingredient release.

[0012] "Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients", 20 February 2009 (2009-02-20), Pharmaceutical Press, XP055325597, ISBN: 978-0-85369-792-3 pages 326-329, describes similar controlled release properties for hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

[0013] WO 2015/087259 A1 discloses tablets containing curcumin dispersed into a matrix consisting of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, tablets that must always be coated with a gastro-resistant film to be effective for treating bowel inflammatory diseases.

[0014] JOANA TORRES ET AL: "European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation Topical Review on Complementary Medicine and Psychotherapy in lnflammatory Bowel Disease", JOURNAL OF CROHN'S AND COLITIS, vol. 13, no. 6, March 2019 (2019-03), pages 673-685, shows the use of several plant extracts for treating bowel inflammatory diseases. In Table 1 a multitude of plant extracts among which turmeric, boswellia and pomegranate is listed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The Applicant has found out that it is now possible to overcome the problems of the tablet of the background art by the tablets object of the present invention, which are more gastro-resistant than the commercially available IBIDI^® formulations, as will be better disclosed hereinafter.

[0016] The object of the present invention is therefore a colonic release oral tablet comprising as active principle a mixture of dry extracts of turmeric, pomegranate and boswellia, wherein said release is guaranteed by the presence of a combination of sodium alginate and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in the relative matrix in which the aforementioned active ingredients are dispersed, wherein said sodium alginate and said hydroxypropyl methylcellulose are present in said matrix in weight ratios comprised between 1:25 and 1:10.

[0017] This tablet is in particular used as a co-adjuvant in the treatment and prevention of colonic disorders caused by a suspected or confirmed alteration of the inflammatory pattern and destabilization of the microbiota.

[0018] The Applicant has in fact unexpectedly found that sodium alginate and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose act in synergy guaranteeing uniform release rheological profiles, that can be reproduced and independent from the hydrophilic, lipophilic or amphiphilic nature of the carried active ingredient.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] 

Figure 1 reports the results of the test disclosed in the example 2, after 2, 4 and 5 hours of breakdown carried out respectively on the IBIDI^® tablet and on the formulation of the invention, in particular the tablet whose composition is reported in the example 1.

Figure 2 instead reports the dissolution test disclosed in the Example 2 of the ellagic acid that is the main component contained in the pomegranate and in turn contained in the formulation according to the present invention, where the diagram on the left reports the dissolution test of known IBIDI^® formulations while the diagram on the right reports the release of the formulations of the invention.

Figure 3 reports the results of the ex vivo test, disclosed in the Example 3, carried out on a pattern of intestinal cells simulating IBD, on the effectiveness of the tablet according to the invention, in particular the tablet whose composition is reported in the Example 1.

[0020] The figures 4-A, 4-B, 4-C, 4D report the results of the clinical trial disclosed in the Example 4, at time T1 = 3 months and at time T2= 6 months, carried on a group (A) of patients suffering from RCU, who, in addition to the conventional therapy were administered two tablets a day according to the present invention and compared with a group of patients (C), suffering from the same disease who were only administered the conventional therapy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The sodium alginate and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose are present in ratios comprised between 1: 25 and 1: 10, preferably between 1:20 and 1: 15. According to a particularly preferred embodiment said ratio is 1: 19.

[0022] Preferably to promote the colonic release the tablets object of the invention also contain dry extract of black pepper. In fact, black pepper coming from the fruits of the Piper nigrum L plant promote the enteric uptake of substances that are not easily soluble, such as for example boswellic acids (http://www.cosmofarma.com/wpcontent/uploads/2017/06/www.cosmofarma.com/Fr atter_2.pdf).

[0023] In order to guarantee the increase of the contact surface between the active substance and the inflamed intestinal epithelium, the product was formulated with excipients which ensure the colonic release of the functional components protecting integrity thereof while passing through the gastric environment and into the first intestinal tract. In order to comply with such requirements the tablet preferably provides for a gastro-resistant coating ensured by the presence of shellac in the film. As underlined in the summary of the invention, the integrity of the tablet, while crossing the first intestinal tract, is promoted by the presence, in the core, of sodium alginate and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose which ease the release of the majority of the active components in the distal portion of the bowel by prolonging breakdown times. Once released in the enteric secretions, they will result into a prompt dissolution and hydro-dispersion of active ingredient (boswellic acid salification) \ and (hydro-dispersion of the curcuminoid fraction as a response to the alkaline environment).

[0024] Preferably in the oral tablet object of the present invention the dry extract of turmeric comes from the Curcuma longa L rhizome, and has a minimum titre in curcumin and curcuminoids of 90% preferably of 95%.

[0025] According to another preferred embodiment the dry extract of pomegranate comes from the fruit of Punica granatum L. and has a minimum titre in ellagic acid of 20%, preferably of 40%.

[0026] According to a further preferred embodiment the dry extract of boswellia comes from the Boswellia serrata Roxb. gum resin and has a minimum titre in boswellic acids of 30% preferably of 65%.

[0027] Finally, according to a further preferred embodiment the black pepper extract possibly present comes from the fruits of the Piper nigrum L. plant with a minimum titre in piperine of 80% preferably of 95%.

[0028] Preferably the oral tablet object of the invention wherein the turmeric is contained in amounts comprised between 80 and 150 mg by weight on the total weight of the tablet, more preferably in amounts equal to 100 mg, the boswellia is contained in amounts comprised between 150 and 300 mg, more preferably 200 mg, the dry pomegranate extract is contained in amounts between 200 and 350 mg, more preferably 250 mg by weight on the total weight of the tablet.

[0029] As noted above, when the oral tablet contains black pepper, it is preferably contained in an amount comprised between 1 and 5 mg, more preferably 2 mg by weight on the total weight of the tablet.

[0030] The tablet object of the invention can possibly also contain probiotics such as for example Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei and/or post-biotics among which short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and other active metabolites of the intestinal microbiota.

[0031] Preferably said colonic disorders caused by suspected or confirmed alteration of the inflammatory pattern and destabilization of the microbiota are preferably selected from colitis selected from indeterminate, collagen, from drugs and non-specific, diverticular diseases selected among symptomatic uncomplicated diverticulosis (SUDD), diverticulitis, segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis (SCAD), inflammatory bowel diseases selected from Ulcerative rectocolitis (RCU), Chron's disease, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).

[0032] Preferably the tablet according to the present invention is included in the category of food supplements and according to a particularly preferred solution it is administered twice a day.

[0033] In addition to the aforesaid components, the tablets object of the present invention can also contain conventional excipients used in the pharmaceutical art which are well known to the expert in the field.

[0034] The following examples of compositions of the tablet object of the present invention, as well as laboratory tests and clinical trials are hereinafter reported, for exemplary and non-limiting purposes.

EXAMPLE 1

[0035] The following example of a specific formulation of the tablet object of the invention is hereinafter reported.

Active COMPONENTS	DOSES per TABLET
Curcuma longa dry extract rhizome min. 95%	100 mg
Of which curcumin	95 mg
Boswellia serrata dry extract	200 mg
From which boswellic acids	130 mg
Punic a granatum dry extract	250 mg
From which ellagic acid	100 mg
Black pepper dry extract,	2 mg
From which piperine	1.9 mg
Excipients per tablet	DOSES per TABLET
hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose - E464	190 mg
Calcium phosphates E341(ii)	175 mg
Cellulose - E460(i)	169 mg
Magnesium salts of fatty acids - E470b	11 mg
Sodium alginate E401	10 mg
Silicon dioxide E551	5 mg
Shellac - E904	33 mg

Glycerol - E422	4.1 mg
Fatty acids - E570	2.4 mg
Titanium dioxide - E171	2 mg
Iron oxides and hydroxides - E172	0.9 mg

EXAMPLE 2 - comparative evaluation between IBIDI^® tablet without coating and the tablet with the formulation reported in the Example 1, without coating.

[0036] An approach is proposed evaluating the performance of the tablet according to the invention and the IBIDI^® tablet in two tests used as reference by Pharmacopoeia.

[0037] The evaluation proposed determines the formulation resistance according to the present invention to the gastric environment (breakdown test) and the release time in an intestinal environment of one of the components, the pomegranate ellagic acid. The dissolution time will be the parameter which will allow to estimate the powder release site based on the bowel transit time.

Breakdown test

[0038] The sample will be tested in the breakdown assay, using equipment and operating conditions as described in Pharmacopoeia. In particular, reference will be made to the conditions and limits provided for validating gastro-resistant tablets (medium: HCl 0,1 N, for two hours with no clear alteration; subsequent breakdown in phosphate buffer at pH 6,8 within 60 minutes at a temperature of 36- 38°C).

Dissolution test

[0039] The sample was tested in the dissolution assay, using equipment and operating conditions as described in Pharmacopoeia, using an instrument with cylindrical containers, provide with hemispheric bottom with a blade or basket stirrer

Dissolution medium:

• Starting by an "acid cycle": 750 ml HCl 0,1M for 2 hours. Subsequent "buffer cycle" to add 250ml of Na₃PO₄ 0,2M for 45-60 minutes

Alternatively it may be used:

• "Acid cycle": 1000 ml HCl 0,1M for 2 hours. Removal of the acid initiation of the "Buffer cycle": 1000 ml buffer solution pH 6,8 for 45-60 minutes.

[0040] The results carried out with the breakdown test are reported in Figure 1. The photos highlight the gastro-resistance efficacy of the tablet according to the present invention as after 5 hours from insertion into acid liquid the tablet remains intact; the formula without HPMR technology is dissolved already after the first 2 hours in an acid environment.

[0041] The results of the dissolution tests reported in Figure 2 carried out only on the ellagic acid contained in both the tablets (IBIDI^® and the tablet of the example 1) highlights that the release of the aforesaid active ingredient from the tablet according to the present invention is compatible with the slow release concept, thus compatible with a colonic release, if compared to the much faster release profile of the ellagic acid contained in the known IBIDI^® tablet.

EXAMPLE 3 -

Effectiveness evaluation in an ex vivo experimental model of IBD

(Inflammatory bowel disease) mouse

[0042] The sample was tested on an ex vivo experimental model of mouse. The effect of the presence of graded concentrations of the tablet of the invention in the culture medium was evaluated quantitatively determining specific markers of oxidative stress and inflammation attributable to morphological and structural alterations of a chronic inflammation of the colon mucous membrane.

[0043] The parameters taken into consideration are the following: effects on the nitric oxide synthase and quantification of the thiobarbituric acid derivatives as stable markers of lipid peroxidation, the effect on the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines as prostaglandin E2 and serotonin.

[0044] The results of such test are reported in Figure 2.

[0045] From these results it derives that the tablet object of the invention is able to:

• determine a significant reduction of nitrite levels, nitrosative stress indexes due to increased production in nitric oxide by the inducible isoform of the nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the bowel;
• reduce 5-HT levels in the colon of LPS-stimulated mouse (inflammatory stimulus);
• reduce tissue levels of serotonin and PGE2, which play a key role as pro-inflammatory cytokines in ulcerative colitis.

EXAMPLE 4 - Clinical trial

[0046] A clinical trial was designed to verify the effectiveness of the tablets of the invention, versus control, in optimizing the recrudescence therapy in a mild-moderate activity step of ulcerative rectocolitis by monitoring the quality of life (by means of the sibdq), phlogosis indexes among which the Faecal Calprotectin, clinical activity indexes (mayo partial score) and perceived abdominal pain (VAS scale).

[0047] PROTOCOL: 20 patients suffering from active RCU (diagnosed with standard criteria) in need of a therapy for treating recrudescence were recruited:

• 10 patients received the recrudescence therapy (deltacortene, budesonide MMX and/or rectally) - GROUP C (control)
• 10 patients received the tablets object of the invention, whose composition is reported in the Example 1, in addition to the recrudescence therapy (deltacortene, budesonide MMX and/or rectally) - GROUP A

[0048] Duration of the study: 6-month treatment with follow-up after 3 months.

[0049] Posology: The patient arm being treated with the tablets object of the invention will take 2 tablets a day in addition to the commonly prescribed therapy.

[0050] The clinical lab evaluation (at T0, T1 e T2) will envisage:

• Evaluation of inflammatory parameters; for example faecal calprotectin.
• Evaluation of the Mayo Partial Score (MPS) for clinical activity
• Evaluation of the abdominal pain VAS scale
• Evaluation of the faeces consistency Bristol Stool Chart
• Submitting the SIBDQ questionnaire for evaluating the quality of life.

Inclusion criteria:

[0051] 

• Age 18-75 years old
• Clinically-ascertained RCU diagnosis in a mild-moderate activity step (MPS between 2 and 7), in need of a steroid therapy for treating recrudescence.

Exclusion criteria

[0052] 

• RCU of the only rectum (E 1)
• Patients previous submitted to colectomy
• Patients being treated with an immuno-suppressant or biologic drug or in need of drugs for recrudescence.
• Patients scoring MPS < 2 or > 7.

Operative sheet

[0053] 

• T0 recruitment
  Clinical evaluation of the disease status with Mayo Partial Score, Bristol Stool Chart, pain VAS scale, inflammatory indexes record, state of the patient quality of life (SIBDQ)
• T1 3 months
  Clinical evaluation of the disease status with Mayo Partial Score, Bristol Stool Chart, pain VAS scale, inflammatory indexes record, state of the patient quality of life (SIBDQ)
• T2 6 months

  Clinical evaluation of the disease status with Mayo Partial Score, Bristol Stool Chart, pain VAS scale, inflammatory indexes record, state of the patient quality of life (SIBDQ)

  In Figures 4-A, 4-B,4-C, 4-D, the most important results at T1 = 3 months and at T2 =6 months are reported.

[0054] In Figure 4-A the group A assuming 2 tablets according to the present invention is improving (reduction vs T0 an vs T1) the inflammatory profile with respect to the control group, wherein an initial rise of the faecal calprotectin can be noted.

[0055] As follows from Figure 4-B even the quality of life of Group A improves (increases) within a treatment time lapse of three and six months. By contrast Group C does not report any improvement in the quality of life.

[0056] In Figures 4C it follows that the general status of the disease, clinically observed by the mps test, improves (score reduction) within group A such to exclude the patient from the active-RCU criteria (MPS test between 2 and 7), unlike the control group from which it follows that values higher than 2 show a still active RCU.

[0057] In Figure 4D it follows that the abdominal pain perception (VAS scale 0-10), clinically observed by means of the VAS test, improves (score reduction) in group A unlike the control group from which a worsening of the symptom is clear.

REFERENCES

[0058] 

1. http://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/infiammazione/

2. Marina Risi. Il regolatore dell'infiammazione. PNEI News.2012; 6

3. Danese, S. and C. Fiocchi, Etiopathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases. World J Gastroenterol, 2006. 12(30): p. 4807-12.

4. Danese, S., Immune and nonimmune components orchestrate the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol, 2011. 300(5): p. G716-22.

5. Danese, S., New therapies for inflammatory bowel disease: from the bench to the bedside. Gut, 2012. 61(6): p. 918-32.

6. Fiorino, G., et al., Leukocyte traffic control: a novel therapeutic strategy for inflammatory bowel disease. Expert Rev Clin Immunol, 2010. 6(4): p. 567-72

7. Camacho-Barquero, L., et al., Curcumin, a Curcuma longa constituent, acts on MAPK p38 pathway modulating COX-2 and iNOS expression in chronic experimental colitis. Int Immunopharmacol, 2007. 7(3): p. 333-42.

8. Deguchi, Y., et al., Curcumin prevents the development of dextran sulfate Sodium (DSS)-induced experimental colitis. Dig Dis Sci, 2007. 52(11): p. 2993-8.

9. Ukil, A., et al., Curcumin, the major component of food flavour turmeric, reduces mucosal injury in trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid-induced colitis. Br J Pharmacol, 2003. 139(2): p. 209-18.

10. Zhang, M., et al., Curcumin regulated shift from Th1 to Th2 in trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid- induced chronic colitis. Acta Pharmacol Sin, 2006. 27(8): p. 1071-7

11. Goel, A., A.B. Kunnumakkara, and B.B. Aggarwal, Curcumin as "Curecumin": from kitchen to clinic. Biochem Pharmacol, 2008. 75(4): p. 787-809.

12. Mun SH et al. Synergistic antibacterial effect of curcumin against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Phytomedicine. 2013 Jun 15;20(8-9):714-8.

13. Dominik Bettenworth et al. Crohn's disease complicated by intestinal infection with methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus. World J Gastroenterol 2013 July 21; 19(27)

14. Kiela, P.R., et al., Effects of Boswellia serrata in mouse models of chemically induced colitis. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol, 2005. 288(4): p. G798-808.

15. Krieglstein, C.F., et al., Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid, a constituent of a herbal medicine from Boswellia serrata resin, attenuates experimental ileitis. Int J Colorectal Dis, 2001. 16(2): p. 88-95.

16. Alsaba F Raja et al. Antistaphylococcal and biofilm inhibitory activities of acetyl-11-keto-b-boswellic acid from Boswellia serrata. BMC Microbiology 2011, 11:54

17. Bialonska D et al. The influence of pomegranate by-product and punicalagins on selected groups of human intestinal microbiota. Int J Food Microbiol. 2010

Claims

1. Oral tablet comprising as active principle dry extracts of turmeric, pomegranate and boswellia, with colonic release, wherein said release is guaranteed by the presence of a combination of sodium alginate and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in the relative matrix in which the aforementioned active ingredients are dispersed, wherein said sodium alginate and said hydroxypropyl methylcellulose are present in said matrix in weight ratios comprised between 1:25 and 1:10.

2. The oral tablet according to claim 1, containing a dry extract of black pepper.

3. The oral tablet according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the dry turmeric extract comes from the Curcuma longa L rhizome and has a minimum titre in curcumin and curcuminoids of 90%, preferably 95%, the dry pomegranate extract comes from the fruit of Punica granatum L and has a minimum titre in ellagic acid of 20%, preferably of 40%, and the dry boswellia extract comes from the Boswellia serrata Roxb gum resin and has a minimum titre in boswellic acids of 30%, preferably 65%.

4. The oral tablet according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the black pepper comes from the fruits of the Piper nigrum L. plant, with a minimum titre in piperine of 80 % , preferably of 95%.

5. The oral tablet according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the turmeric is contained in amounts comprised between 80 and 150 mg by weight on the total weight of the tablet, more preferably in amounts equal to 100 mg, the boswellia is contained in amounts comprised between 150 and 300 mg, more preferably 200 mg, the dry pomegranate extract is contained in amounts between 200 and 350 mg, more preferably 250 mg by weight on the total weight of the tablet.

6. The oral tablet according to claims 2-5, containing black pepper in amounts comprised between 1 and 5 mg, more preferably 2 mg by weight on the total weight of the tablet.

7. The oral tablet according to any one of claims 1-6 comprising probiotics.

8. The oral tablet according to any one of claims 1-7, comprising post-biotics selected from indole and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) selected from propionic acid, butyric acid and formic acid.

9. The oral tablet according to any one of claims 1-8, comprising a gastroresistant coating comprising or consisting of shellac.

10. The oral tablet according to any one of claims 1-9 in the form of a food supplement.

11. The oral tablet according to any one of claims 1-10 for use as a co-adjuvant in the treatment of colonic disorders caused by suspected or confirmed alteration of the inflammatory situation and destabilization of the microbiota.

12. The oral tablet for use according to claim 11, wherein said colonic disorders caused by suspected or confirmed alteration of the inflammatory situation and destabilization of the microbiota are selected from colitis selected from indeterminate, collagen, from drugs and non-specific, diverticular diseases selected among symptomatic uncomplicated diverticulosis (SUDD), diverticulitis, segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis (SCAD), inflammatory bowel diseases selected from Ulcerative rectocolitis (RCU), Chron's disease.

13. The oral tablet for use according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein said tablet is administered twice a day.

Ansprüche

1. Oraltablette, die als Wirkstoff Trockenextrakte von Kurkuma, Granatapfel und Boswellia mit Freisetzung im Dickdarm umfasst, wobei die Freisetzung von der Gegenwart einer Kombination von Natriumalginat und Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose in der relativen Matrix, in der die vorstehend erwähnten Wirkstoffe dispergiert sind, gewährleistet wird, wobei das Natriumalginat und die Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose in der Matrix in Gewichtsverhältnissen zwischen 1:25 und 1: 10 vorhanden sind.

2. Oraltablette nach Anspruch 1, die einen Trockenextrakt von schwarzem Pfeffer enthält.

3. Oraltablette nach einem der Ansprüche 1-2, wobei der Kurkuma-Trockenextrakt aus dem Rhizom von Curcuma longa L stammt und einen Mindesttiter an Curcumin und Curcuminoiden von 90 %, bevorzugt 95 %, aufweist, der Granatapfel-Trockenextrakt aus der Frucht von Punica granatum L stammt und einen Mindesttiter an Ellagsäure von 20 %, bevorzugt 40 %, aufweist, und der Boswellia-Trockenextrakt aus dem Boswellia serrata Roxb-Gummiharz stammt und einen Mindesttiter an Boswelliasäuren von 30 %, bevorzugt 65 %, aufweist.

4. Oraltablette nach Anspruch 2 oder 3, wobei der schwarze Pfeffer aus den Früchten der Piper-nigrum-L.-Pflanze mit einem Mindesttiter an Piperin von 80 %, bevorzugt von 95 %, stammt.

5. Oraltablette nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, wobei das Kurkuma in Mengen zwischen 80 und 150 mg, bezogen auf das Gesamtgewicht der Tablette, bevorzugter in Mengen gleich 100 mg, das Boswellia in Mengen zwischen 150 und 300 mg, bevorzugter 200 mg, der Granatapfel-Trockenextrakt in Mengen zwischen 200 und 350 mg, bevorzugter 250 mg, bezogen auf das Gesamtgewicht der Tablette enthalten ist.

6. Oraltablette nach den Ansprüchen 2 bis 5, die schwarzen Pfeffer in Mengen zwischen 1 und 5 mg, bevorzugter 2 mg, bezogen auf das Gesamtgewicht der Tablette enthält.

7. Oraltablette nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, die Probiotika umfasst.

8. Oraltablette nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, die Postbiotika, ausgewählt aus Indol und kurzkettigen Fettsäuren (SCFA), ausgewählt aus Propionsäure, Buttersäure und Ameisensäure, umfasst.

9. Oraltablette nach einem der Ansprüche 1-8, die eine gastroresistente Beschichtung, die Schellack umfasst oder aus Schellack besteht, umfasst.

10. Oraltablette nach einem der Ansprüche 1-9 in Form eines Nahrungsergänzungsmittels.

11. Oraltablette nach einem der Ansprüche 1-10 zur Verwendung als Co-Adjuvans bei der Behandlung von Dickdarmstörungen, die durch vermutete oder bestätigte Veränderung der Entzündungssituation und Destabilisierung der Mikrobiota verursacht werden.

12. Oraltablette zur Verwendung nach Anspruch 11, wobei die Dickdarmstörungen, die durch eine vermutete oder bestätigte Veränderung der Entzündungssituation und Destabilisierung der Mikrobiota verursacht werden, ausgewählt sind aus Colitis, ausgewählt aus unbestimmtem Kollagen, aus Arzneimitteln und unspezifischen divertikulären Erkrankungen, ausgewählt aus symptomatischer unkomplizierter Divertikulose (SUDD), Divertikulitis, segmentaler Colitis, die mit Divertikulose (SCAD) assoziiert ist, entzündlichen Darmerkrankungen, ausgewählt aus ulzerativer Rectocolitis (RCU), Morbus Chron.

13. Oraltablette zur Verwendung nach einem der Ansprüche 11 oder 12, wobei die Tablette zweimal täglich verabreicht wird.

Revendications

1. Comprimé pour voie orale comprenant comme principe actif des extraits secs de curcuma, de grenade et de boswellia, à libération colique, dans lequel ladite libération est garantie par la présence d'une combinaison d'alginate de sodium et d'hydroxypropylméthylcellulose dans la matrice relative dans laquelle les substances actives susmentionnées sont dispersées, dans lequel ledit alginate de sodium et ladite hydroxypropylméthylcellulose sont présents dans ladite matrice dans des rapports pondéraux compris entre 1:25 et 1: 10.

2. Comprimé pour voie orale selon la revendication 1, contenant un extrait sec de poivre noir.

3. Comprimé pour voie orale selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 2, dans lequel l'extrait sec de curcuma provient du rhizome de Curcuma longa L et est titré au minimum à 90%, de préférence à 95% en curcumine et en curcuminoïdes, l'extrait sec de grenade provient du fruit de Punica granatum L et est titré au minimum à 20%, de préférence à 40% en acide ellagique, et l'extrait sec de boswellia provient de la résine de gomme Boswellia serrata Roxb et est titré au minimum à 30%, de préférence de 65% en acides boswelliques.

4. Comprimé pour voie orale selon la revendication 2 ou 3, dans lequel le poivre noir provient des fruits de la plante Piper nigrum L., titré au minimum à 80 %, de préférence à 95 % en pipérine.

5. Comprimé pour voie orale selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel le curcuma est contenu dans des quantités comprises entre 80 et 150 mg en poids du poids total du comprimé, plus préférentiellement dans des quantités égales à 100 mg, le boswellia est contenu dans des quantités comprises entre 150 et 300 mg, plus préférentiellement 200 mg, l'extrait sec de grenade est contenu dans des quantités comprises entre 200 et 350 mg, plus préférentiellement 250 mg en poids du poids total du comprimé.

6. Comprimé pour voie orale selon les revendications 2 à 5, contenant du poivre noir dans des quantités comprises entre 1 et 5 mg, plus préférentiellement 2 mg en poids du poids total du comprimé.

7. Comprimé pour voie orale selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6 comprenant des probiotiques.

8. Comprimé pour voie orale selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, comprenant des postbiotiques choisis parmi les indoles et des acides gras à chaîne courte (SCFA) choisis parmi l'acide propionique, l'acide butyrique et l'acide formique.

9. Comprimé pour voie orale selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, comprenant un enrobage gastrorésistant comprenant ou consistant en de la gomme laque.

10. Comprimé pour voie orale selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9 sous forme de supplément alimentaire.

11. Comprimé pour voie orale selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 10 destiné à être utilisé en tant que co-adjuvant dans le traitement de troubles du côlon provoqués par une altération suspectée ou confirmée de la situation inflammatoire et une déstabilisation du microbiote.

12. Comprimé pour voie orale destiné à être utilisé selon la revendication 11, dans lequel lesdits troubles du côlon provoqués par une altération suspectée ou confirmée de la situation inflammatoire et une déstabilisation du microbiote sont choisis parmi des colites choisies parmi une colite indéterminée, une colite collagène, issues de maladies diverticulaires causées par des médicaments et non spécifiques choisies parmi une diverticulose symptomatique non compliquée (SUDD), une diverticulite, une colite segmentaire associée à une diverticulose (SCAD), des maladies inflammatoires de l'intestin choisies parmi la rectocolite ulcéreuse (RCU), la maladie de Chron.

13. Comprimé pour voie orale destiné à être utilisé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 11 ou 12, dans lequel ledit comprimé est administré deux fois par jour.

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